Nov
21
2009
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Overcome, by the Spirit

You can overcome more than you think you can.  Life will throw you challenges – it always will.  No getting around that – other than being dead.  But, for those of us who are living, life will throw challenges at us.  We can overcome them.  They will not be easy – that’s why we call them “challenges.”  We don’t call them “easages.”  But know that everything that comes your way, you can overcome it.  You can.  You really can.  Join with me in believing that life is a joyous thing, that we can overcome challenges, and that we are strong people. 

 Time for limp living is over.  Cower no more!  Fight!  Fight in the Spirit.  Fight in the heavenlies.  Pray command prayers that will cause angels to war on demons and bring deliverance to our souls.  If you know you are delivered and have that relationship with the Deliverer, then act like it.  Walk in faith – walk, believing that the Almighty has delivered you from sin and hell, and that He holds a place for you in heaven. 

Overcome, and be strong in the way you live.  Life will not always be a fun thing.  Sometimes, it will seem downright rotten.  But, that’s not where I choose to stay.  I don’t like living where it stinks.  Never have.  So, I choose to live above that place and sensation – not by my own strength, but by the strength offered to me by the Holy Spirit.  Only in Him can I overcome my circumstances, and that usually only comes when I humble myself and hit my knees.  I encourage you to never quit on the Lord, but to always believe He is there for you.  Be strong. 

Blessings.

Nov
14
2009
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Insight – Using It Wisely

          The ideas that come to us are not always for us to keep to ourselves, nor are all of them for us to share.  Knowing which are which is key to doing what you’re supposed to do.  If we are paying attention, God will give each of us insight – through His word; through a still, small voice; through an inner conviction; or through the godly counsel of others.  What I mean is this:

          Insight is what God gives you, but how you use  it shapes the direction of your life.

          If God has shared something with you, that only YOU were supposed to know – for YOU – then don’t go blabbing it to the world.  Some people seem as though their cups “runneth over,” but only out of their mouths.  On the other hand, if God has given you words of encouragement for others, then tell them – that’s why you heard it, in the first place. 

          A lot of times, it seems that God gives us insight to sooth our hearts, to help make things make sense, or to wake us up.  Either way, it can feel like “God showed up,” right when you needed Him to.  It’s comforting, for sure, knowing that the King of the universe is coming to your aid in times of need.  Clarity of a situation or of a relationship can make all the difference in the world, and to know, that the wisdom you received came from an almighty source, is pretty amazing. 

          So, what do you do with it?  How do you use it?  Treat it as an invaluable gift.  There’s no price tag you could put on it, is there?  Then, use it in your life, and live as a better person, because of it.

Nov
12
2009
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Light or Darkness, Part 2 of 2

          Light and darkness have nothing in common – one is illumination, while the other is the absence of it.  Light a candle, and its brightness fills a darkened room.  Snuff it out, and you will be in blackness.  The human eye was not created for the absence of light.  It was designed for the purpose of taking in light, refracting it onto mirrors, nerves, and neuron sensors.  The result of this very complicated process?  Sight.  If the process doesn’t work – if something is missing – there is darkness.  In the same way, God touches hearts.  Hearts that hear Him and look towards Him, are given light.  Those that do not, are left to continue in the dark.  Fear and frustration cower in the corner, when light enters a room.  When God’s light enters the room of someone’s heart, all fear and frustration will eventually flee.  Those things don’t want to stay where they’ll be exposed.  So, where do you stand in all of this?  Do you live in the light or in the darkness?  Do you see with open, light-filled eyes?  Does your heart beam forth brightness that has been put in it?

Nov
11
2009
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Light or Darkness, Part 1 of 2

          Are you living in light or in darkness?  What is your perspective on eternity?  How you view life after this life will determine how you live, now.  A while back, I thought that I needed to tone down my writing, to hide messages and meanings within, in order for it to be accepted by a wide audience.  What I didn’t realize was that by doing that, I was writing for no one.  So, no more!  I will write the conviction on my heart – I will share God’s love with the world, with everyone I meet, and with you.  God loves you.  He really does.  He knows who you are; He knows the good and the bad you are going through.  He has a perfect plan for eternity, with you, included.  And – He has a wonderful purpose, specifically, for you, while you are here on earth.  Ask him what your purpose is, and He will tell you.  Now, when you ask, you might very well be shocked at the greatness of what He says, but that’s a good thing.  Jeremiah 29:11 is a great reminder – salve for the soul – which shows us that God knows what’s going on in the universe and in your life, at the same time.

Nov
11
2009
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What People Want, Part 3 of 3

          People want to belong – to something or someone.  They want desperately to fill the void in their lives, and they try to, with all sorts of things and people.  But, the only peace they will ever truly feel is through a relationship with Jesus.

          Years ago, I was talking with the guy who worked at the photo shop where I got film developed.  It was a few weeks before Thanksgiving, and he mentioned something about not looking forward to the holidays, because of various things.  Since both of us liked coffee, we went to go get a cup, later that week, and talked about things in life.  During the conversation, he got very serious and stopped talking for a few moments.  Then, he leaned forward somberly, stared at me, and said, “I want to belong.”  He said it in such a way that I could feel his pain from across the table.  He desperately yearned for meaning in life, and it was burning from his eyes.  I invited him to come to Thanksgiving dinner at our home.  Of course, my wife was a little surprised that I had “invited the Kodak man to dinner,” but she was okay with it after we invited a half dozen other “family-less” people, too.  It was a great Thanksgiving dinner.  Conversations covered the gambit – everything from religion to Jesus to families to sports.  A year or so later, my wife and I moved from High Point to California, and “the Kodak man” and I lost touch.  However, his burning statement has stayed with me all these years.  I pray that he does belong somewhere, now – and more importantly, I pray that he realizes that he has always belonged to God.

Nov
11
2009
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What People Want, Part 2 of 3

          People want to be remembered.  They want to matter – to someone or something.  What they don’t realize, a lot of times, is that they DO matter.  You want to matter, too – and YOU DO.  God sees you as a wonderful person – an awesomely created human whom He loves and was willing to die for.  It’s amazing to think that God was so concerned about your well being that Jesus was willing to give up His heavenly home for three decades, in order to live among us.  Be encouraged!  You matter to Him!  You count!  He values you.

Nov
11
2009
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What People Want, Part 1 of 3

          People want to make a positive difference in the world – to make their mark.  Everyone wants to make a lasting, good impression on those around him.  The next time you’re out walking, notice how many pieces of concrete have scribbles, or how many walls have graffiti.  At first glance, the scribbles and graffiti look like a mess, but a closer observation reveals that they are really names and dates: recorded marks in history.  Most people admit they feel like they’ve made a difference in the world when they’ve given of themselves.  Sometimes, they’ve given time to others; sometimes, they’ve given financially; sometimes, they’ve helped others by giving energy and expertise.  In whichever way they’ve given, it’s been from the abundance and overflowing they possessed.  How do you make a positive difference?  However it is, I encourage you to continue.